Dignity Health St. Joseph’s honors the gift of organ donation

St. Joseph’s Norton Thoracic Institute plants 2,000 pinwheels in recognition of the program’s organ donors and recipients during Donate Life Month

(Phoenix – April 3, 2026) – Nearly 2,000 pinwheels were placed outside of Dignity Health St.Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center today as a visual representation of the generosity of organ donors and the second chance for transplant recipients whose lives were changed through the hospital's renowned Norton Thoracic Institute. This third annual event paid tribute to the lifesaving power of organ transplantation during Donate Life Month.

Transplant recipients, families, loved ones of organ donors and hospital staff planted the pinwheels to represent the number of organ transplants performed by the expert team at Norton since the program’s inception in 2007. Each pinwheel, with its four double-sided spokes supported by a single stem, symbolizes the incredible potential of one organ donor to save up to eight lives.

“The Pinwheel Garden is a visual representation of hope, second chances and the ultimate act of humankindness,” said Brandi Krushelniski, vice president Norton Thoracic Institute and transplant services. “During Donate Life Month, we are reminded that every single pinwheel echoed a story of a donor’s extraordinary legacy and a recipient’s renewed opportunity for a full and healthy life. Itis such an honor to gather and collectively shine a light on these extraordinary gifts.”

Since the lung transplant program started in 2007, followed by kidney and liver programs in 2015, the Norton team has performed nearly 2,000 organ transplants for patients originating from more than 25 states and 10 foreign countries. This remarkable reach showcases the expert care, innovation, clinical skill and compassion for patients facing complex conditions. Norton is home to the longest-established lung transplant program in the Valley and boasts robust liver and kidney transplant programs. The lung transplant program has consistently earned high quality and outcome scores in national and regional scales in rankings by organizations like the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, solidifying Norton’s position as a national leader in transplant care.

April is nationally recognized as Donate Life Month which is a period dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation. Across the country, organizations like Norton use this awareness month to educate the community about organ donation and celebrate the stories that demonstrate donation's profound ripple effect.

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